Image: Greg Smith.

The second-annual Yamaha WR250R Rally went off bigger and better than the first, with 64 riders of the capable Yamaha trail bike congregating at Cessnock, New South Wales, for a two-day 500-kilometre adventure ride.

That’s close to twice as many who turned up for the inaugural 2017 rally, organised by Greg Yager and his team from Ride ADV and hosted by dirt bike legend Chris Watson of Chris Watson’s Motorcycles.

This year’s Rally had an international flavour with US guest rider and WR250R nut Tim Hollis entertaining the group with his special style of free-riding straight from the dunes of Southern California.

“If I had to sum up the event in one word it would be fun,” reflected Yamaha Motor Australia communications manager Sean Goldhawk. “The rally brings together a group of like-minded riders for the best time.

“Riders who know the secret of the WR250R – that it’s not only an awesome trail bike but also a super-capable adventurer. Thanks to the efforts of Ride ADV, the humble WR250R – which was developed primarily as a Japanese domestic market model – has achieved cult status in Australia.”

The rally covered prime trails around the Hunter region including the Watagan, Olney and Yengo State Forests on 28-29 April. Prizes were awarded for a number of categories including best bike, scooped by David Poole, and furthest travelled, won by three intrepid mates who rode up from Melbourne on a camping trip.

Once again, a wide-range of riders turned up, from 18-year-old sweep Lochie Caldwell to 84-year-old local Brian Rooney. Four female riders also enjoyed the rally, which this year offered optional technical sections. Most riders elected to ride those challenging routes – the WR250R being well capable of covering terrain that a big adventure bike would struggle with.